Trump’s film tariffs could pull the plug on Ireland’s production powerhouse status – MEP Maria Walsh
President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign films could devastate Ireland’s billion euro audiovisual sector and threaten thousands of jobs across rural Ireland, according to MEP Maria Walsh. The audiovisual industry in Ireland is valued at over €1 billion, supporting a total of 15,899 full-time equivalent jobs. MEP Walsh is a member of the Delegation […]
New EU animal disease strategy needed to tackle surge in outbreaks – MEP Maria Walsh
The EU’s current animal disease strategy is not fit for purpose given a recent surge in infection rates across Europe, MEP Maria Walsh has said. MEP Maria Walsh is calling on the European Commission to update the current strategy for tackling animal diseases given the rise of infection rates in countries across the EU, including […]
EU must prioritise negotiation over confrontation to avoid catastrophic US trade war – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Commission must employ strategic diplomacy and negotiations to avoid a catastrophic transatlantic trade war, MEP Maria Walsh has said. As the clock ticks towards April 2nd, MEP Walsh has warned that thousands of jobs in Ireland’s pharmaceutical and agri-food and drinks sectors hang in the balance due to potential US tariffs. MEP Walsh […]
Irish youth want increased EU investment in mental health – MEP Maria Walsh
Almost one in four young Irish people are calling for increased investment in mental health by the European Union, MEP Maria Walsh has said. The call comes as a new poll carried out by the European Commission reveals that 22% of people aged between 16-30 believe the EU should invest more resources in mental health […]
EU must initiate investigation into Hungary’s draconian anti-LGBTQI laws – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Commission must consider additional sanctions against Hungary in light of new anti-LGBTQI legislation passed this week, MEP Maria Walsh has said. This week, Hungary’s President signed legislation into law which allows the Government to classify public displays of homosexuality as a child protection issue, effectively banning Pride events. MEP Walsh has strongly condemned Hungary’s […]
Irish livestock exporters must be assured of full access to EU Single Market – MEP Maria Walsh
Irish livestock exporters must receive a guarantee that they will continue to have full access to the EU Single Market amidst a revision of live animal transport rules, MEP Maria Walsh has said. MEP Walsh raised the concerns of Irish farmers in a meeting of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee today, during a debate on […]
Op-Ed: The Mercosur Trade Deal is a risk for Irish farmers and standards
As the EU looks towards ratifying the Mercosur trade deal, significant concerns are growing, particularly among the many Irish farmers I meet and work with on a daily basis, writes Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. They are concerned about competing with imported products that are cheaper and produced at lower standards, threatening the livelihoods of […]
Online bank of Irish political deepfakes highlight need for urgent action – MEP Maria
The emergence of an online bank of deepfake images of Irish politicians and public figures highlight the need for urgent action at EU and national levels, MEP Maria Walsh has said. The bank of AI-generated content contains fake images of politicians that are easily available and free to download. MEP Walsh is calling for stronger […]
MEP Maria Walsh condemns European Commission’s removal of Anti-Discrimination legislation
The decision by the European Commission to withdraw crucial EU Anti-Discrimination legislation from its 2025 Work Programme represents an attack on the rights of people with disabilities, LGBTQI members and minority groups, MEP Maria Walsh has said. The European Commission took the decision this week to withdraw the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive from its 2025 Work […]
European Commission priorities for 2025 commit to CAP simplification – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Commission’s commitment to CAP simplification measures will be welcomed by Irish farmers, but the devil is in the detail, MEP Maria Walsh has said. The European Commission unveiled its 2025 Work Programme in Strasbourg today, and includes 51 new initiatives and lists 37 laws and programs that are up for review over the […]